Scott Archaeol News 47

Interim report on excavation in the Warren Field on the Crathes Castle Estate of features identified from aerial photographs, which revealed a rectangular early Neolithic timber building with bowed side walls of a type previously only identified at two sites. The building was radiocarbon dated to around 3800--3700 BC. Two large pits were identified at either end of the building, excavation of one suggesting that it was an open pit possibly lined with branches of alder and hazel. This became filled with occupation material and debris after the building burned down, including fragments of carbonised birch, some with carved decoration, possibly from turned bowls or other small objects. A pit alignment about 150m west of the building was also investigated.

Brief note of an excavation at Glen Docherty which has revealed a rare bed of ore and provided insights into the smelting process and furnace construction.

Description of the work of the project, which aims to examine the date and currency of the use of rock art and to understand the role of rock art in the evolution of the prehistoric landscape of Kilmartin. This included a programme of small-scale excavations in 2004 in the monument complex at Torbhlaren, which revealed a built platform of laid clay with a coppled stone pavement at Torbhlaren 1, along with the discovery of tools including hammerstones and scrapers.

First of a series of articles presenting different opinions on wind farms and their impact on the historic environment and archaeology. Statements are presented from the Scottish Executive, from Historic Scotland, from Moorland Without Turbines (Lewis action group) and from Lewis Wind Power.

Description of the earthworks, previously thought to have been a Roman vallum but now re-identified as an unusually well-preserved Neolithic cursus monument.